Broadcast News

MediaPRO Offers Students The Chance To Touch Base Remotely

Coventry University’s Media Production department has released an app enabling students to access course material from their iPhone or Android devices.
The app, which is available to download free from iTunes and the Android Market, allows users to access news, podcasts, videos, tweets and module blogs while on the go.
Pete Woodbridge, lecturer in open media at Coventry University, said the department is at the forefront of exploring innovative ways of conveying information to students.
He said: “We are constantly seeking out technological advances in multimedia to develop new ways of connecting with our students. We know many of them are using smart phones and we want to ensure they can access useful information from wherever they are. To this end, they can adapt their learning to coincide with times most convenient for their style of learning.”
Development of the app reflects the mission statement for students on the Media Production degree course, who are taught to develop their own distinctive approach to the challenges posed by the transformation of the media and creative industries.
Many of Coventry University’s Media Production alumni are now pursuing successful creative careers with the likes of critically acclaimed musician Ghostpoet – who graduated last year and whose debut album ‘Peanut Butter Blues and Melancholy Jam’ was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize.
Pete added: “We’ve got a wealth of talent at this University and students can use this app to tap into that. For instance, our media lecturer Ken Fero’s recent documentary ‘Defeat of the Champions’, gathered headlines for its tackling of Birmingham’s controversial ‘ring of steel’ that saw 300 CCTV cameras installed in the city using anti-terrorism funding.
“Our students were involved in the making of this documentary and were employed as production assistants and second camera unit. They are looking at a degree that offers hands on experience as well as being able to explore learning the essential tools and processes of media production.
“And the tools we use to teach them with are becoming ever more sophisticated. The University’s current advertising campaign harnesses an app called Aurasma, which allows users to view videos on their iPhones by simply hovering the device over the advert.
“Our students can tap into this knowledge to create interesting work using their mobile phones.”
(BMcN)